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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Ernie5

No cholesterol.

+3673


Submissions

13
Bird Song
Feb. 21, 1971
Capitol Theater

An intimate very early Bird Song - Quartet-styled, which serves this song really well. Also: you can hear the thinking, especially between guitars.
3
Tennessee Jed
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Ho-Hum: Another outstanding 1972 TJ. This gem from the sorta overlooked summer tour. Garcia aces the break, natch. Band - unconscious. Whew! at end.
6
Candyman
June 21, 1976
Tower Theater

From Garcia's cheeky intro on, this graceful cabochon throws a faint, warm light. 1976 elegance w/a sick, raw spider web guitar break.
2
Wharf Rat
March 21, 1985
Hampton Coliseum

First show - I didn't know this gem very well & after this criss-crossy version, I was hooked. Dark & murky.
3
Loser
July 21, 1972
Paramount Northwest Theater

Download Series - An intimate, casual living room Loser. Garcia coming out of the guitar break is divine. Not the actor.

Comments

Playin' In The Band
March 25, 1972
Academy of Music

Beautiful combination of the tight pop song version pre-/early-Godchaux & the trans-lunar injection subsequent versions will reveal. The light is going off in a big way. What sounds like a horn @4.07? I know it's not a horn, but's kind of crazy what these guys could conjure.
Playin' In The Band
Nov. 24, 1979
Golden Hall, Community Concourse

A sweet, energetic Estimated and then @ 3:30, Garcia kicks in the Mu and things kick into a whole different gear. The space out is somewhat monochrome - but intense and interesting.
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Nov. 26, 1980
The Sportatorium

Big. This is why people return to 80-81 China-Riders. Plunging forward like a train, but never out-of-control. Garcia stakes his claim with 13+ lbs. of wood and wires.
Estimated Prophet
April 27, 1977
Capitol Theatre

Beautiful early Estimated. Starting to take serious live - it's easy to see how much fun they're having playing. Maybe Godchaux not so much. But a joyous Estimated. My opinion. Watch the joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oktHSQTUbGE
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
April 27, 1977
Capitol Theatre

Effortless and high NRG. You can probably stash every Spring 1977 S>F in the upper echelon - they all have something slightly different to offer. The group had learned to be equal parts tight/in the pocket and loose/mysterious. They were dealing from great strength at this time no matter what they played. I think the point is taken.